SHERMAN OAKS CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND DUI LAWYER

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN ARRESTED OR CHARGED WITH A CRIME IN SHERMAN OAKS, STUDIO CITY, VAN NUYS, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, VALLEY VILLAGE OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION   818.646.8788

Sherman Oaks, CA is located in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.  Just on the other side of the Santa Monica Mountains from Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks is located in the Southern portion of the San Fernando Valley, nearby the 405 and 101 Freeways, and nearby Studio City, Van Nuys, Encino and North Hollywood.  With a population of just over 50,000 people, Sherman Oaks is an upscale residential community, with bars, restaurants, shopping (Sherman Oaks Galleria) and many office buildings.

Sherman Oaks is primarily patrolled by the LAPD, with the California Highway Patrol is in charge of enforcing laws (mostly vehicle code violations, including DUI) on the freeways.  Criminal proceedings and traffic matters are heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse, located at 14400 Erwin Street Mall in Van Nuys.  Sherman Oaks is a safe community, but still sees all sorts of criminal cases, from arrests for prostitution, drugs, DUI, domestic violence, with occasional theft crimes and violent felonies. 

DUI cases are common in Sherman Oaks.  LAPD and CHP are aggressive in DUI enforcement with DUI checkpoints frequently on Ventura Blvd and saturation points common on weekends.  We can help you assert the defenses available in your DUI case (Including: Mouth Alcohol, Rising BAC, How Accurate are Breathalyzers?,  Did Police Follow Proper Testing Procedure, Do Field Sobriety Tests Prove Anything,Alcohol and Drugs are NOT the Only Causes of Bad Driving).  For Sherman Oaks theft offenses, there may be an opportunity to reach a civil compromise dismissal with merchants or otherwise deny involvement or intent to steal.  Drug crimes or weapon offenses might have a viable motion to suppress if the police violated your Constitutional rights during your police encounter, or a long list of other defenses.  Each case is different and fact-specific and it takes a skilled, knowledgeable attorney to take the right steps to get you the best outcome in your case in Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, the San Fernando Valley, or anywhere else in Los Angeles.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Studio City, Canoga Park, North Hollywood, Encino or anywhere else in Los Angeles, you need a skilled lawyer to fight for you.  Contact a knowledgeable, aggressive Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney at the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a free consultation.  323-803-4352

EXAMPLE OF A SHERMAN OAKS CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY:
Jim, a contractor from Sherman Oaks, has had back pain for several years.  His job involves a lot of strain on his back and he had previously been prescribed Vicodin to help him manage the pain.  After about 10 months of taking the medication, Jim could no longer afford health coverage, and could not afford to pay for frequent doctor's visits.  Jim's father also was prescribed pain medications, and gave Jim 20 pills each month so that Jim could manage to get through his tough work day.

One day, while Jim is backing out of a driveway at one of his job sites in Sherman Oaks, he hits another vehicle.  An LAPD officer comes out to write up a traffic collision investigation report.  While talking to both parties, the officer asks Jim if he takes any medications.  He admitted to the officer that he takes pain medication for his back.  The officer asked Jim to perform some field sobriety tests, and he agreed (note: he has a right to refuse to perform field sobriety tests and should refuse).  Jim lost his balance while trying to perform the one leg stand test.  He is arrested for DUI and taken to the station for a blood test.  He now must appear in Van Nuys Court to defend against charges that he violated VC 23152(a) and 23152(b).  Unlike alcohol-related DUI cases, Jim will not need to schedule a DMV hearing.  His license will only be suspended if he is convicted of DUI.  Fortunately, Jim is not in possession of any of the pills his father had given him.  If he had been found with the pills, he would face a felony possession of a controlled substance charge per HS 11350.  It is also important to note that even if Jim has a valid prescription, he can still be prosecuted for DUI if the government shows that the medication has impaired his ability to drive.

Jim hires a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney to represent him in his DUI case.  Jim's lawyer has an accident reconstructionist interview Jim, the other driver and the police officers accident report, and has a toxicology expert review the blood results and to advise about the effects of the drug and ability of the officer to determine intoxication.  The attorney also gets a statement from Jim's physician stating that his back problems would make it difficult for him to stand on one leg.  Relying on the government's evidence (the evidence in the officer's report) is not likely to get the best result.  But with independent, new evidence, Jim has a much better chance to get a dismissal, a reduced charge, or, if necessary, win his DUI case at a jury trial.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Encino, Studio City or North Hollywood, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.  We will be able to discuss the details of your case, help you understand the court process as well as assess the defenses you may have available.  Being arrested or charged with a crime is scary, but a skilled criminal defense attorney can help!

Nicholas M. Loncar, Esq.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
t. 818-646-8788 | f: 818-646-8772
MOBILE: 323-803-4352
TOLL-FREE: 888-200-9454
www.iDefendLosAngeles.com
[email protected]
12198 Ventura Blvd | Suite 207
Studio City, CA | 91604

Published By: Nicholas Loncar | Written by Nicholas Loncar